Imitation as the snidest form of flattery

April 13, 2003|By Blair R. Fischer, Special to the Tribune.

When punk rock troupe The Offspring recently announced it had named its seventh album "Chinese Democracy," (due out this spring), it was a deliberate attempt to capture the ire of mercurial Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose. The Gunners decided to call their next record "Chinese Democracy" several years ago, although the album never came out and no release date is pending. Guns N' Roses even embarked on a "Chinese Democracy" tour last fall -- which was aborted midway through without official explanation -- and have a song "Chinese Democracy," which the refurbished Guns N' Roses has performed on occasion over the last few years. But that didn't matter to The Offspring, especially frontman Dexter Holland, who remarked in Rose's direction, "You snooze, you lose."

Rumors that the Gunners sent The Offspring a cease-and-desist order were denied by an Offspring attorney. Besides, there have been myriad instances in which one band's record title has mimicked another's. Here's a rundown:

The Dead Milkmen's "Metaphysical Graffiti"(1990). Based on Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti"(1975)

Underground pop-punk quartet The Dead Milkmen didn't skimp on the jocularity when they "toyed" with Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti." The cover of the group's "Metaphysical Graffiti" depicted a vacant miniature model building -- a play on the real tenement buildings on the cover of "Physical Graffiti" -- and a toy wrecking crane on the back.

2 Live Crew's "Banned in the USA" (1990). Based on Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." (1984)

After retailers were arrested for selling the expletive-laden "As Nasty As They Wanna Be," 2 Live Crew got the OK from The Boss to sample from his "Born in the U.S.A" for the rap group's "Banned in the USA."

Only half of the "Hiatt Comes Alive at Budokan?" album title is correct. Recorded in the U.S. -- not Japan's Budokan Hall.

U.S. Bombs' "Never Mind the Opened Minds Here's the U.S. Bombs" (1997). Based on the Sex Pistols' "Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols" (1977).

Everything about the U.S. Bombs' "Never Mind the Opened Minds" reeked of the Sex Pistols. From the doppelganger cover to its dedication to Sid Vicious to the song about Vicious ("Ballad of Sid") to the music itself.

After lifting the title of its debut album ("American Thighs") from an AC/DC lyric, Veruca Salt got more creative on its sophomore effort. The Chicago troupe consulted the dead letter office and came up with "Eight Arms to Hold You," which was the original title of The Beatles' "Help!"

Ministry's "Dark Side of the Spoon" (1999). Based on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" (1973)

Both a stab at a record industry that "feeds us" music and a commentary on drug use, the "Spoon" album depicted a naked obese woman wearing a dunce cap in front of a chalkboard with the words "I will be God" written all over it.

Veruca Salt's "Resolver" (2000). Based on The Beatles' "Revolver" (1966).

For the second time in three years, the Fab Four got nicked from a now Nina Gordon-less Veruca Salt. Lest you be confused between the two, only the prototype had the ammunition to go No. 1 with a bullet.